Found
Toddir finally came to retrieve his trousers! He sulked about it somewhat, as expected, promised retribution, as expected, and seemed quite disbelieving of the notion that I would go to such efforts for a prank despite the clear evidence! He did also pour some wine down the back of my neck under the guide of taking his "water" skin back from Rhaug, but I sincerely doubt that will be the last of the issue.
I look forward to his vengeance!
Ethan comes on leaps and bounds with his studies. I'm still getting to grips with being a tutor to anyone, never mind a clearly quick witted child, but I am enjoying it. And why shouldn't I? The chances of me having a child of my own are slim to none. If this is the closest I will ever get, then so be it; I'll damn well enjoy every moment!
I'm still waiting on seeing Audre again. Odd as it seems, I'm rather looking forward to having a change of hue and, from what little I have seen of her work, I imagine the shirts will be quite beautiful and of much higher quality than I usually purchase.
I've also spoken to Seaver, who not only settled my lingering worries about Neyaa's wellbeing, but also listened and offered some consolation for an ongoing conundrum of mine. It always feels odd when he and I have a civil conversation, odder still when during it, he all but admitted his bloodied hands and I mine. Still, no exchange of words between he and I can go by without even a little round of verbal sparring, playful or not! The status quo was kept when we descended into insults for the sheer fun of it.
Speaking of confessions, I told Rowan what happened. He didn't ask the hows or whys. I doubt it matters to him, and why would it? Blood is blood, after all. Indeed, he seemed rather more perturbed by my stating that at least now he had a solid reason to dislike me. Am I reading too much into his callousness? Does it matter if I am?
In the meantime, despite the boy and the joys and distractions he affords me, I still find myself eager to move on. Staying in one place for so long... it is at odds with my nature. I want to move. I need to move. Yet, for Ethan and the others, I also need to stay. At least for now. It won't be forever, I keep reminding myself. It can't be forever. I've the project in Evendim to see to come spring and after that...
I don't know. Forochel, perhaps? I've not been there yet.
Or if the price of my island proves too steep, Angmar always awaits.
